A burglar who allegedly broke into more than 100 apartments during afternoons on the outskirts of Bangkok has been arrested, according to national police.
Pichai Sae-tang, who is also known as the "striped-shirt burglar 3pm", was arrested at a house in the Bang Na area, said deputy national police chief Ruangsak Jarit-ek.
Police alleged the suspect had performed 20 burglaries each in Khlong Tan, Bang Na, Phra Khanong, and Udomsuk, 10 times in Hua Mak and five times in Prawet district. He also broke into rooms more than 20 times in Samrong Nua district of Samut Prakan, investigators claimed.
Officers seized more than 200 items reported stolen, including wallets, purses, 50 mobile phones, credit cards, electrical devices, notebook computers, gold ornaments and stationary.
He was charged with burglary and selling stolen property. Several people showed up at the Khlong Tan police station to try to recover their property.
Pol Gen Ruangsak Jarit-ek said Mr Pichai told investigators that he chose the afternoon to burglarise rooms as their occupants were at work or school. He confirmed their absence simply by knocking on the door. Apartments secured with a single lock were targeted and the items taken were sold at local markets to get money for gambling and daily expenses, he reportedly told police.
Mr Pichai was earlier jailed then released in 2011. Police said he has been an active burglar since last year.
The accused burglar said he wore striped shirts as that was his preference and he usually only did one break-in a day. He advised apartment renters to use U-bolt cable locks and padlocks as they are difficult to break.